Teen Suicide

Teen suicide is a major problem in the modern United States. It is also a problem throughout the whole world. Suicide is the third leading cause for the death of teenagers. The National Institute of Mental Health believes that for every 25 suicides attempted, one is completed. This fact means that for every suicide you hear about, 25 are attempted. But, this does not cover the teen suicides you don't hear about. A teen suicide attempt is a cry for help. This is an important step in being able to prevent future suicides.

It has been proven that teen suicide is different for males and females. It has been proven that males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females. But, teen girls are more likely to attempt suicide than teen boys. So although the females are more likely to make an attempt to end their life. There is often less of a chance for teenage boys to get help because their completion rate is higher than girls.

Some risk factors are aggressive behavior, disruptive behavior, substance abuse, and depression. Intense feelings can lead to the sense of helplessness and to the general feeling that life isn't worth living. These feelings should be taken seriously to prevent suicide. Another risk is firearm access. Firearms are used in more than half of teenage suicides.

Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicides have been preceded by warning signs. Some of the reasons for suicide risks are social, emotional, and family issues. Many teen suicide warnings are also indications of depression.

Some warning signs are disinterest in favorite activities, substance abuse, behavioral problems, withdrawing from friends and family, changes in eating habits, emotional distress, physical complaints, declining grades, risk taking behaviors, and doesn't respond to praise. Not all of these signs will be present as suicide warnings. Two or more of these warnings is most likely an indication of depression or suicidal thoughts.

Some indications of a suicide plan are verbal hints, when they begin giving away belongings, throwing away important possessions, creating suicide notes, and expressing bizarre or unsettling thoughts. Understanding that these can also be considered a cry for help is important in preventing a suicide. Knowing these warning signs can truly save a life.

If you or someone else you know is having suicidal thoughts, they could need to see a professional. Counselors may help. But there could be a serious problem. Causes of this could be mental or learning disorders, substance abuse problems, behavior problems, and problems dealing with stress. All these things can be hard for teens to deal with. Therefore, if they get help for these, it could also save their life.

When developing a treatment plan for a suicidal teen, things they take into consideration are the extent of a teenager’s suicidal symptoms, the overall medical history and health of a suicidal teen, tolerance the teenager has with regard to procedures, medications and therapies, the seriousness of any suicide attempt or warnings by a teen, impressions of the risk for teen suicide at a later time, and the opinion of the parent, as well as the teen, regarding treatment preferences. Individual therapy, family therapy, and hospitalization may also be incorporated into treatment.

If you or someone else you know is having suicidal thoughts call the hotline for suicide crisis at 1-800- SUICIDE. You have a reason to live and have many people that care about you. Don't take your own life when you can get help and have a whole future ahead of you. If you do it, you'll never know what would've been. Get help. Also talk about it to friends and family. Many people love and care about you. Think about them and your future before making the mistake of taking your own life.